Frankenstein: The Musical Live - Bridging Stage and Screen with Emotional Depth

"A groundbreaking attempt to blur the lines between stage and screen."

This is the vision behind the live performance film 'Frankenstein: The Musical Live,' as revealed by its production company. Watching this adaptation on screen, the tragic tale of a scientist unfolds naturally, even without being physically present in the theater. In fact, some scenes were more immersive than the live performance, as the film captures the actors' subtle expressions in detail.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the musical 'Frankenstein,' the live performance film 'Frankenstein: The Musical Live' is set to release on the 18th. The musical is an adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, focusing on the tragic fate of Victor Frankenstein, a man who aspired to become a god, and the 'creature' born from his experiments. The narrative powerfully explores themes of death, creation, loneliness, and the essence of humanity.

Victor, possessing exceptional scientific knowledge from a young age, is driven by the desire to create an 'immortal soldier.' His only friend, Henri Dupre, sacrifices himself by falsely confessing to a murder Victor committed in a drunken state. Henri wished for Victor's successful research and future happiness. After Henri's death, Victor, feeling momentarily guilty, uses parts of Henri's body for his experiments.

Reborn as a creature, Henri realizes Victor's selfish nature and kills his wife and sister, showcasing the consequences of human greed. The film effectively conveys this lesson, making the audience feel as if they are present at the scene.

The medium of 'screen' enhances this emotional impact. The film allows viewers to grasp the actors' expressions and the passage of time, which might be challenging in a live theater setting. The transformation of Henri into a creature, portrayed by Kyuhyun and Park Eun-tae, is vividly captured, drawing the audience deeper into the story. The subtle emotional nuances, often missed on stage, come alive on screen.

Kyuhyun, known for his lighter appearances on variety shows, showcases his impressive acting skills. One viewer remarked, "I saw Kyuhyun in a new light," adding, "I didn't know he could act so well."

However, the film's portrayal of the massive iron bars, the machinery used to create the creature, and the thunder and fireworks meant to amplify the drama, felt diminished. The screen medium has its limitations in capturing the 'essence of the live experience.'

After the film, a viewer commented, "It's amazing how deeply one can understand a person's narrative," adding, "Even without seeing the live performance, the creature's lesson to humanity, the actors' performances, and the intended message were clear."